THE PARTICIPANTS

description

ABOUT THE FILM - THE STORY In an eerie abandoned world where no adults are to be found, a gang of forgotten children plays endlessly repetitive games to gain the favour of Mikhail, the self-proclaimed leader of this strange and isolated society. Rebelling against Mikhail's tyrannical bullying, Emilia, Boris and the bird-like shaman boy Josef devise a plan to escape, twisting the rules to beat Mikhail at his own game.

Adopting the classic conventions of sci-fi - a queer and unconventional story unfolds. A metaphor for much broader themes and concerns, THE PARTICIPANTS examines the nature of power, mob rule, and the darker side of human group behaviour. Do we choose to bravely participate in standing up for what we know is right? Or do we choose to remain fearfully silent in the face of oppression?

The script was developed in collaboration with the cast of children and teenagers. The film was shot in Lough Boora Parklands in the midlands of Ireland, a remarkably beautiful landscape of reclaimed bog-land that serves as a stunning backdrop for this unique story - one which examines how societies condone bullying and the alienation of those perceived as different.

WHO IS MAKING THIS FILM? THE PARTICIPANTS is the first feature drama film from the award winning team at Still Films, the same people who made PYJAMA GIRLS and the haunting documentary SEAVIEW about asylum seekers in Mosney. The film is directed by Paul Rowley and produced by Nicky Gogan. We shot the film in seven days with a cast of the most incredible young actors, many acting for the first time.

WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP We have almost finished the film and have just run out of funds at the last hurdle. The film is scheduled to premiere at GAZE - the Dublin International LGBT Film Festival at the end of July, and we desperately need your help to pay for a final sound mix and colour grading. This is not something we can do ourselves with the resources we have, so we have to go to a professional studio to finish.

With only a few weeks to go before our premiere we would hugely appreciate any help you can offer in bringing this film to the screen.

rewards

Fund €10+

A huge personal thank you from the team and your name listed as funder on our website.

Fund €20+

A huge personal thank you from the team.
You will also be listed as one of the funders in the film credits and on our website.

Fund €50+

A huge personal thank you from the director.

You will be also listed as one of the funders in the film credits and on our website.

You will also receive a digital copy of the ABC alphabet book designed specifically for the film. (Sent as a PDF at print quality - delivery in August 2015)

Fund €100+

A huge personal thank you from the director.

Plus an on-screen SPECIAL THANKS in the film credits.

Plus an advance link to watch the full film online before its official release online.

You will also receive a digital copy of the ABC alphabet book designed specifically for the film. (Sent as a PDF at print quality - delivery in August 2015)

Fund €150+

Two tickets to the WORLD PREMIERE of the film with cast and crew in attendance. (Dublin July 31st - travel costs not included)

A huge personal thank you from the director.
Plus an on-screen SPECIAL THANKS in the credits.
Plus an advance link to watch the full film online before its official release online.

this reward is sold out!

Fund €250+

A huge personal thank you from the director. Plus an on-screen SPECIAL THANKS in the film credits. A special edition e-book containing unseen behind the scenes photos taken on location in Lough Boora during the filming by Photographer Darragh Shanahan. Over 80 beautiful images shot on film capturing the filmmaking in progress complied into a specially designed e-book. (Delivered as a PDF Autumn 2015) Plus an advance link to watch the full film online before its official release online.

Fund €250+

FOR FILMMAKERS.
Award winning co-director team Nicky Gogan and Paul Rowley will review the rough cut of your film or read your script and then give you a personal consultation on Skype (90 minutes approx). This could be for your doc rough cut or your drama script, and cover anything from notes on structure, character development, devising the best production model to get your film into the can, to festival and distribution strategy.

Fund €250+

A huge personal thank you from the director. Plus an on-screen SPECIAL THANKS in the film credits. Plus private links to view our past films - Pyjama Girls, Seaview, and Build Something Modern.
Plus an advance link to watch the full film online before its official release online.

Fund €500+

Plus an on-screen SPECIAL THANKS in the film credits.
Plus an advance link to watch the full film online before its official release online. Plus a special edition e-book containing unseen behind the scenes photos taken on location in Lough Boora during the filming by photographer Darragh Shanahan. Over 80 beautiful images shot on film capturing the film-making in progress compiled into a specially designed e-book. (Delivered as a PDF autumn 2015).

10 Available

Fund €1000+

For your generous contribution and coming on board as such a huge supporter of the film you will be credited as ASSOCIATE PRODUCER in the film credits on screen.
Plus two tickets to the world premiere in Dublin with an opportunity to meet the cast and crew (travel not included)

Plus an advance link to watch the full film online before its official release online.

Plus a special edition e-book containing unseen behind the scenes photos taken on location in Lough Boora during the filming by photographer Darragh Shanahan. Over 80 beautiful images shot on film capturing the film-making in progress compiled into a specially designed e-book. (Delivered as a PDF autumn 2015).

Fund €2500+

For you incredibly generous contribution and coming on board as such a huge supporter of the film, you will be credited as ASSOCIATE PRODUCER in the film credits on screen.

Plus two tickets to the world premiere in Dublin with an opportunity to meet the cast and crew (travel not included)

You will also receive a 16x20" limited edition fine art print from the film signed by director Paul Rowley. (shipped ready to frame)

Plus an advance link to watch the full film online before its official release online.

Plus a special edition e-book containing unseen behind the scenes photos taken on location in Lough Boora during the filming by photographer Darragh Shanahan. Over 80 beautiful images shot on film capturing the film-making in progress compiled into a specially designed e-book. (Delivered as a PDF autumn 2015).

activity

¡¡¡ NINE DAYS LEFT !!!

Update posted on Monday 6th July '15 @ 07:07:53

Hey all thanks so much to everyone for coming over to check out the trailer and the campaign. With nine days left to get involved we're almost half way to our target. Amazing news. Nine days left so we really appreciate any help getting the project out there. Thanks folks!!

DAY ONE DOWN AND A HUGE THANK YOU!

Update posted on Friday 3rd July '15 @ 04:07:48

We're just so blown away by all the goodwill and support for our project on the first day. With such a short campaign time it means the world to us that people are really coming on board so generously with their contributions and their help promoting the project to their friends and families. Thanks so much for everything folks. Have a great weekend. XXX Paul, Nicky, and all The Participants

AND WE'RE OFF!!!

Update posted on Thursday 2nd July '15 @ 05:07:11

DAY ONE of fourteen. It's a crazy quick turnaround time we know but already donations are starting to come in. This film has had so much support from the start we're really hoping everyone will continue to show the love and get us over the finish line! We're so close! With your help we'll get there. Thank you!